The Addis Ababa Action Agenda will be the starting point of a new path for financing sustainable development... Let us send a clear signal that we are serious about supporting sustainable development and providing a life of dignity for all.

In San Francisco, Secretary-General Ban addresses a special ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Charter. UN Photo/Mark Garten

In signing the Charter, the founders achieved what many thought impossible. It falls to us to heed the Charter’s call to “unite our strength” and to use their creation -- the United Nations -- for the common good.

There will always be crime and there will always be extremists. But we must work to stop crime and extremism being seen as attractive or necessary options – especially by youth. That is why we are focused on equitable, sustainable development.

African countries have been the backbone and leading Member States of the United Nations since the day they achieved independence. We have been with you since birth. Now, many African countries are taking dramatic steps towards realizing their massive cultural, human and economic potential. The United Nations – and I personally as Secretary-General of the United Nations – will continue to stand with Africa as your partner and strongest supporter.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses the Sixth Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations, being held in Bali, Indonesia. Credit: UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Too many of our world’s worst crises are driven by those who exploit fear for power. Too many societies are fracturing along cultural, religious or ethnic lines."
Secretary-General Ban in address to the Sixth Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations, Bali, Indonesia, 29 Aug 2014

My message to Israelis and Palestinians is the same: Stop fighting. Start talking. And take on the root causes of the conflict, so we are not back to the same situation in another six months or a year.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses world leaders at the start of the General Assembly's top-level debate. UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

With our fates ever more entwined, our future must be one of ever deeper cooperation... Let us find new ways of governing, partnering and problem-solving. Let us empower the United Nations to be more than a first responder or a last resort.

I once again appeal to leaders across the world to promote dialogue, reconciliation and support for inclusive political transitions. This is the way to build stable, democratic, free and united societies.

Terrorism festers where conflicts are endemic ... and where human rights, human dignity and human life are not protected and impunity prevails ...We have to drown out shrill appeals to intolerance and extremism with sound calls for compassion and moderation.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is joined by musical artists Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Ricky Martin at a special event on Leadership in the Fight against Homophobia. UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

Let me say this loud and clear: lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are entitled to the same rights as everyone else. They, too, are born free and equal. I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them in their struggle for human rights.